After the Interview
Take note
While memory is still fresh, recall from the interview lessons learnt for future reference
My Questions to the Interviewer
An interview is a two-way communication! Get yourself prepared not only to answer your interviewer`s questions, take the opportunity to find out more about the job and the company. Some interviewers test your sincerity by asking if you have any questions. Be prepared with a list of questions handy! Here are some suggestions:
Research! Research! Research!
As a preparation for the interview, you should research about the company, and, if possible, your interviewer and develop from there some relevant and intelligent questions. This shows that you do care enough that you spend time learning about the company. Rehearse the answers to these questions once and see if your questions generate other questions and prepare yourself accordingly.
Only ask questions that you cannot find answers yourself. For example, "I learn from the research that xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx. How would that impact the department I am working for." This is the part personnel consultant can provide great help.
Replacing someone?
If you know you are replacing someone, you may want to ask what is the biggest challenge faced by the person you are replacing.
Salary - Leave it till later!
In general, it is not wise to touch on salary or benefits at this stage. This gives your interviewer an impression that your are more interested in what the company can do for you; versus how you can contribute to the company. However, it is fair to ask about opportunities for advancement, training programs.
"Sorry, I do not quite catch some part of your question..."
Throughout the interview, feel free to ask questions or rephrase for clarification if you do not understand your interviewer, for example, on jargon or acronyms. Do not assume or pretend. However, be sensitive and attentive in listening so that you do not ask the interviewer to repeat the questions too many times.
The Power of Body Language in An Interview
In any personal interaction, non verbal cues are equally, if not more important than verbal ones. Following are some tips to exploit body language to demonstrate professionalism and performance.
It is prudent to arrive early! How then would you spend the time when waiting for the interviewer? It is too late to review notes any way, instead, glance through any literature that you find in the waiting area. This portrays that you are confident even in occasions as such.
Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake to demonstrate that you are not nervous.
If you are not invited to sit, take the initiative to sit across from or alongside the interviewer. Do not ask if you should sit.
Allow a reasonable space of at least 1m (one meter) between yourself and the interviewer, providing a comfortable social zone to both.
Seat yourself in a relaxed, balanced posture. Hold your body upright without being stiff. Avoid distracting gestures or making too many hand gestures. If the interview is interrupted by a phone call, occupy yourself with reading your own material. This is a gesture of your being considerate in sense of privacy. Do not appear annoyed. There is no need to offer to leave the office.